2006 Subaru Forester vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Subaru Forester is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Subaru Forester (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Subaru Forester weights approximately 528 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Subaru Forester (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Subaru Forester | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1633 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2512 mm |
